February 6th, 2007

The first featured Garden has close ties to our own. After a stay in Japan, Linda and John R. Anderson were inspired to develop a Japanese garden on their land in Rockford, Illinois — they also found inspiration closer to home during a visit to Portland. In 1978 the Andersons sought out Mr. Hoichi Kurisu, then the Portland Japanese Garden’s Landscape Director, to design and construct their vision. By all measures, the Anderson Japanese Garden has fulfilled this vision and built upon the model of a successful not-for-profit, publicly-accessible, authentically Japanese garden in the United States. Director Mary Jo A. Guglielmi explains the importance of the Anderson Japanese Garden:

“Anderson Japanese Gardens is one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. Our garden is designed to allow guests to reflect upon the beauty of nature, and in doing so be led away from the stress of everyday life. The serenity one feels in the garden is meant to instill a sense of calm that enables our guests to find a place for quiet meditation and reflection.

“The gardens began in 1978 and were built by Hoichi Kurisu for Linda and John Anderson. The design of the gardens is an ongoing project, with Mr. Kurisu returning to Anderson Japanese Gardens several times a year.

“The gardens are situated on 12 acres, with nine acres designated exclusively to the gardens. The garden contains an authentic Japanese pond-strolling garden, sukiya-style guest house, tea house, stone lanterns, and waterfalls. The garden offers a traditional Japanese gate upon entering the garden, and a contemporary garden with a strong Japanese influence.

“It is our hope that after seeing the Anderson Japanese Gardens, visitors will have a better understanding of Japanese culture and that the gardens will be a point of inspiration in their lives.”